HOW TO APPLY FOR A HOME

Reguirments
In order to be considered for partnership in the Habitat program (1) you must have lived in Midland County for one year prior to making your application.  (2) Your present housing is not adequate and you are unable to obtain adequate housing through other conventional means.  Lack of adequate housing may include problems with the present structure; water, electrical or sewage service systems; heating systems, or failure to meet city property maintenance standards.  (3) Your annual total income is between 25-60% median income for Midland County.  (4) Willingness to partner with Midland Habitat for Humanity by working 350 “sweat equity” hours, helping build homes in the program and eventually your own.

Ability to Pay
Since you will actually be buying your house from Habitat, you must demonstrate your ability to pay the monthly mortgage payment.  This payment will include not only the mortgage payment, but the payment for real estate taxes, insurance and a monthly repair fund.  We will help you to determine if this payment will jeopardize your ability to meet all your other family financial obligations and expenses.  We can also help you if you need to develop a budget to determine your eligibility.  The family will be expected to pre-pay house insurance and a small portion of property taxes prior to closing.

Sweat Equity
When selected, you become a "partner family".  As a partner family you will be responsible for 350 hours of sweat equity.  This sweat equity may be accomplished in construction of your house and the houses of others and may include clearing the lot, painting, helping with construction, working in the Habitat office and Habitat ReSTORE. The family can receive credit for a portion of sweat equity hours put in by friends and relatives who join in the work with the partner family.